Judd Apatow Named Frat Pack Tribute Man of the Year
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Judd Apatow who had an incredible 2007 and was unanimously named Man of the Year by the Frat Pack Tribute editors. Yeah, we know he's not technically in the Pack but the guy had a monster year at the movies, cowrote "A Comedian at the Oscars", and is harnessing the power of the internet.
Complete Writeup for Frat Pack Tribute Man of the Year
Will Ferrell's Celebrity New Year's Resolutions
by Kevin Crossman
Another hilarious video from Will and the team over at FunnyOrDie.
The Tragedy of Walk Hard
by Jenny Spaulding
After a disappointing fall of Frat Pack films (The Heartbreak Kid was ok, but mean spirited; Dan in Real Life was good, but not as good as I was hoping; and while I didn't hate Fred Claus as much as some people, it's no Elf in my book), I was a bit skeptical of Walk Hard to say the least.
I like the director, Jake Kasdan, quite a bit. I mean his father did write one of the best movies ever--Raiders of the Lost Ark -- so clearly he comes from good stock. I don't know how many of you have checked out his last film, The TV Set, but it's well worth the rental. I saw it at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2006 where he and the cast were on hand for a Q&A. What I didn't learn until later was that it was inspired by his and Judd Apatow's experiences on TV (Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, and Grosse Pointe). The DVD has a great commentary with the two of them discussing the genesis for the story.
But I digress. I'd seen the great Walk Hard trailer, but held off from reading detailed reviews and spoilers, wanting to go in as fresh as possible. That being said, the film far exceeded my expectations and I stand by Kevin's five beer mug review. It's been a while, but I've seen both Walk the Line and Ray, and love the way the story arcs for this hit similar beats--losing his sense of smell instead of his sight?!--pure comic genius! John C. Reilly was excellent, they couldn't have picked a better actor. He played it so straight and so earnest that I couldn't help but laugh. And laugh I did. Out loud. From deep within my belly.
At first I was disappointed that Jenna Fischer didn't do her own singing and wasn't sure why they cast her. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of her work on The Office and Jake and Judd did cast her in one of her early roles in the pilot of Undeclared. But by the end any doubts I had were erased.
In fact, the entire cast was superb and I adored all the cameos, especially Martin Starr and Harold Ramis. I never really warmed to Tim Meadows on Saturday Night Live, but thought he played his role to a tee. I was also impressed by the aging makeup.
And the music! Wow, I knew the filmmakers were taking the music seriously, but I blown away by Reilly's vocal range and how he made all the styles and genres work. I immediately went home and bought the deluxe soundtrack from iTunes. It's so much fun to listen too and catchy too! And it's even funnier to me that it appears RIGHT next to the Walk the Line soundtrack on my iPod.
I think it's such a tragedy that this film missed its mark at the box office. I guess a year end holiday release was a mistake since the market is too saturated.
As a final thought let me say that Walk Hard is an interesting counterpoint to Todd Haynes' faux Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There. Think about it, Walk Hard is about a fictional performer singing music written for the movie, while I'm Not There is film about a real musician, using his real music, but performed by a series of six performers who represent stages in Dylan's career. It was just something that struck me as interesting.
Jack Black Talks Tropic Thunder
by Adam Stevenson
Here's a great article about Black talking about Tropic Thunder. He even mentions that Cruise's cameo is more of what he calls a "crameo." We're talking more than a cameo and possibly less than a supporting role.
Jack on his blonde locks: "This is for Tropic Thunder. It is the director's vision. It's his choice. To be fair, though, it's usually much blonder. The roots are growing out because I'm done with the hair. Well, I still have a couple more days of filming, but I'll be wearing wigs the rest of the way out."
He also discussed how filming works during the Writers Strike: "They say that the actors are allowed to improvise as long as they were not hired as actors/writers. Sometimes, like, Ben is a director/writer and actor, so he can't improvise. We've only had a few weeks of the strike. He's been good."
First Photos from Untitled Mentor Comedy ("Little Big Men")
by Kevin Crossman
Several readers including John Avs send us this photo that was released by Universal. Previously titled Little Big Men, the film is officially being called Untitled Mentor Comedy right now. Regardless of the title, it's great to see the two stars of the movie, Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott, alongside up-and-coming comedy god, Christopher Mintz-Plasse. The film also stars Jane Lynch and Elizabeth Banks.
Though the movie is directed by David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer) and cowritten by Wain's usual coconspirators (Ken Marino, Timothy Dowling), we think this might play a bit more mainstream than Wet or The Ten did. Paul Rudd is also listed as a cowriter, which certainly makes us optimistic about the project.
Review of Luke Wilson and Jessica Simpson in Blonde Ambition
by Kevin Crossman
By now most of you know the story of Blonde Ambition, the Working Girl-like romcom starring Jessica Simpson and Luke Wilson. Many of you saw the awful trailer that showed up in obscure locations online this summer as the expected mid-year release date slipped and went. Finally, the DVD was announced for a release on January 22, 2008 but not before being released into eight Dallas area theatres earlier this month, pulling in a grand total of $1322 dollars total (no, that's not a typo).
Now, the film has appeared online. This is a transfer from a DVD screener but you can watch the movie in it's entirety. And everything you've heard about the movie is true. It is poorly shot, and features a braindead paint-by-numbers script. And while Jessica Simpson isn't bad to look at, her aw-shucks "performance" is truly worthy of the Golden Raspberry Awards she surely will be nominated for.
But we do not come to bury Blonde Ambition but to praise it. While the Jessica storyline can be best viewed with "so bad it's good" laughter, there's actually an amazing performance contained in this movie and it comes from perhaps the most unlikely soul. Not from Jessica, obviously, or even Luke Wilson who plays the exact same character from My Super-Ex Girlfriend (no, that's not a compliment). It doesn't come from the ladies with three names, Rachael Leigh Cook and Penelope Ann Miller. They have memorable moments but ultimately their roles, like the movie fall flat.
Instead, I come to praise Dick. Andy Dick. He's never been better on film as Miller's scheming secretary and it is truly a pleasure to see the self-loathing and meanspirited attitude that his public persona has lately come to symbolize appear so well on screen. Everything he does in Blonde Ambition is worth savoring. This isn't high brow comedy but I laughed at Dick throughout the movie.
So, viewed in proper context, Blonde Ambition might be a great time for you and your friends over a few drinks. Check your ego and intelligence at the door (just like the filmmakers) and you might find yourself with a great big smile. Who'd have thunk it? 
Update: looks like the video was finally taken down. It was fun while it lasted.
Steve Carell "Honors" Steve Martin
by Kevin Crossman
Another great job of Steve being Steve in this clip from The Kennedy Center Honors last night.
Heartbreak Kid DVD "Edited for Content"?
by Kevin Crossman
As we outlined a couple days ago, a reminder there are several great DVD releases today, including The Brothers Solomon (Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig), The Kingdom (Jason Bateman), and American Pie Presents: Beta House (starring anonymous young people in various stages of undress).
The headliner today for us is Ben Stiller's The Heartbreak Kid. Strangely, it appears the DVD release has been edited for content. No, not the typical "extended and unrated" kind of editing, but actual removal of content. Anthony Jones wrote us about this, noting an "edited content" disclaimer on the packaging and even pinpointing the potential edit.
The Heartbreak Kid DVD:
Rated R for strong sexual content, crude humor and language.The Heartbreak Kid Theatrical Release:
Rated R for strong sexual content, crude humor, language, and a scene of drug use involving a minor.
Merry Christmas From the Frat Pack Tribute
by Kevin Crossman
To celebrate the season with all the spirit you've come to enjoy here at the Tribute, we are pleased to highlight this gem that Garrett Lynn of LurkSquad put together. It's completely not safe for work, or for small kids. But it is an amazing bit of editing that we thought was incredible.
Podcast #161: For Christmas, the People Want Cox
A short holiday themed episode featuring John C. Reilly as Dewey Cox singing about life on the road. Plus, we have a few other stocking stuffers to keep you in the holiday mood.
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Lots of DVDs to Choose From in Stores This Week
by Kevin Crossman
This Wednesday provides many choices for those looking to use gift cards at Christmas. These four titles are all available starting on December 26th.
First up is the Ben Stiller sex comedy The Heartbreak Kid. While this movie underperformed at the box office and received, uh… let’s call it mixed reviews, it is still the title to own this week.
There are definitely some funny moments in a movie our reviewer Drew Hunt described as this way: “The Heartbreak Kid neither fails nor succeeds. Stiller saves a sinking ship, but it doesn't change the fact that the boat was never fit to take sail in the first place. The direction is deft, but not entirely exceptional, and sees the Farrelly Brothers continue their slue of mediocre efforts. At least this time they were sensible enough to go to the guy who made them famous in the first place.”
In Drew's review he said "With his latest effort, (Ben Stiller) again proves to be one the most accessible, and most funny, actors working today." He is joined by Michelle Monaghan who had great chemistry with Ben and Malin Ackerman didn't but who looks great.
A few key extras include:
Also up is The Brothers Solomon featuring familiar faces Will Arnett and Will Forte, along with Kristen Wiig, Malin Akerman, and Jenna Fischer. We gave this film four stars and laughed a lot, even though this isn’t the “thinking man’s pregnancy comedy” (especially in a year that includes Knocked Up and Juno). That said, you could do far, far worse than this movie that we said “brings the requisite laughs and just enough heart.”
Anthony Jones wrote us with this short essay encouraging viewing of the Brothers Solomon.
Maybe some people have the motivation to get up and pay a lot of money to go see a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean or Spiderman, but this isn't the kind of movie I saw anyone going out of their way to see. I'm guessing convenience played a big part in the financial failure. Apparently, Sony thought the same thing and they didn't give Bros Solomon a chance. They only released it on a few hundred screens when most films get a few thousand. Now that it's available to see in your home, you should really take a chance and rent it on-demand or in your local video store. If you're at Blockbuster, and you're trying to decide between this and The Heartbreak Kid, I'd say go with Solomon (there will be plenty of un-rented copies of this left on the shelf anyway, which is a shame because it's a little shy of being an undiscovered gem). Director Bob Odenkirk got more laughs out of me with this than last year's Let's Go to Prison. Will Arnett plays a much funnier character and viewers will find comfort in familiar faces like Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig (both of Knocked Up), and maybe Nicole Randall Johnson (who had small parts in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Frat-Pack-friend film License to Wed).
This isn't much of a broad comedy. Not a lot of physical gags like Old School or anything, but more wordplay-type humor. I'll take a shot in the dark and say most Pack fans will still enjoy it. It gets kind of formulaic towards the end, and the brothers end up fighting then making up, but I guess every movie needs its conflicts. They still squeeze out some gags while getting the necessary plot points along. I'd give it at least three beer mugs. To sum it up, it really exceeded my expectations and I'm not sure if it's worth a buy, but it's definitely worth a rental.
Looking a little more broadly, Wednesday also features the DVD release of The Kingdom. Frat Pack Friend Jason Bateman is featured in a supporting role as the wisecracking member of an elite FBI crime team that also includes Jaime Foxx, Jennifer Garner, and Chris Cooper. The group travels to Saudi Arabia to investigate a bombing in an American housing area, and the group battles both terrorists as well as Saudi police officials.
The film’s “ripped from today’s headlines” storyline is an excuse for a police procedural with an exotic setting and is largely effective. The film’s exciting final confrontation alone is well worth seeing. Jeremy Piven (Old School) also appears in an amusing supporting turn as a fast-talking politico not unlike his Entourage character.
We must credit director Peter Berg for getting good performances out of Foxx and Garner who aren’t always our favorite actors. Bateman does a great job in this drama/thriller in a role that might have been played by Vince Vaughn ten years ago. If this role is any indication, Bateman’s film career is well on it’s way! The DVD features some nice behind the scenes material as well. 
Lastly, we received a screener copy of American Pie Presents: Beta House, another direct-to-DVD title with loose association to the American Pie movies. We happen to think the first American Pie movie was a classic and liked the third movie in the series as well. This time, Stiffler’s cousins played by Steve Talley and John White play a fraternity social director and pledge respectively in a film that closely follows the events of American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile. Eugene Levy returns as the frat’s lawyer and former member in an attempt to maintain nominal relationship to the theatrical series.
Fans of Old School might be asking, how does this film compare? Well, there are a couple vomit and semen jokes that work pretty well, but overall this ain’t your father’s "frat" comedy. It shouldn’t be your little brother’s either. Other than teaching young men that female orgasms of all types are a good thing, this movie has little redeeming social value. Which means you might enjoy it but you might feel shame afterwards.
If Superbad’s “what porno website should we subscribe to next year” scene spoke to you, then American Pie Presents: Beta House surely will as well.
Also visit: www.americanpiemovie.com/game
TV Reminder: Elmo's Christmas Countdown with Stiller the Elf
by Amy Gilbert
What else can we say but Ben Stiller as a Muppet. Singing.... Gotta love those ears!! The show airs on ABC tonight at 7 pm. Clip from Elmo's Christmas Countdown with Ben Stiller
New Poster and Red Band Trailer for Semi-Pro
by Adam Stevenson
I found the link to the "semi"-hilarious red band trailer. It has a few funny bits about Will Ferrell's wiener and also features Ferrell interferring with Matt Walsh, Will Arnett, and even the Hard Walkin' drummer himself, Tim Meadows, with a broken arm.
IGN has posted a new poster design as well. Semi-Pro Preview Page.
Step Brothers Photo
by Kevin Crossman
Here's a nice promo photo from Step Brothers. Surprisingly, that's John C. Reilly in the Speedo, not Will Ferrell. Nonetheless, this is a great photo and definitely is getting me excited about the movie that comes out next summer.
Walk Hard Box Office Disappointment. What Went Wrong?
by Rick Duran
When box office estimates are released later today, Walk Hard will only draw an estimated $4-5 million for the entire weekend. That's a poor performance that's only barely ahead of another musical comedy bomb with John C. Reilly, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.
I can't get my head around this one. Was it not "young" enough? Was it the lack of talk shows? Too crowded field? Did it look bad? I think I've got the answer.
Walk the Line, while immensely popular, wasn't exactly aiming at the young male demographic. If anything, it was counterprogramming during the Christmas season blockbusters.
So, when a comedy that looks like Walk the Line is targeted at audiences that liked Talladega Nights and Superbad, you're not really giving the kids what they're looking for.
Even just the concept of "bio pic spoof" isn't as recognizable to younger audiences. Walk Hard's final five minutes seemed like A Beautiful Mind goes to the Grammys. But again, is a film with references Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Brian Wilson going to easy to promote on TRL? On the flipside, would the majority of people that saw Walk the Line and Ray in theaters be excited for a film "from the guy who brought you Superbad and Talladega Nights?"
Ugh, I hate even having to analyze why Walk Hard wouldn't do well. It really pisses me off. Heartbreak Kid, The Comebacks, Fred Claus, Evan Almighty... their disappointing box office numbers didn't bother me. If anything, their numbers represented their quality. But Walk Hard?
Jeez, why on earth did Walk Hard have a worse opening night than The Comebacks? Fuck!
Another View of Walk Hard
by Drew Hunt
So I saw this yesterday...Gotta say, I wasn't really that impressed. I found it to be poorly executed. I really think the basic idea is amazing -- a satirical poke at biopics -- but this movie was about as satirical as an episode of Family Guy, aka: not really at all. Aside from a few bright moments, it just wasn't as smart as I was hoping and thinking it would be.
I think I would have enjoyed it more had they played everything more straight. I didn't like the fact that the characters seemed like they were more or less aware of the kind of movie they were in. It took away a sense of believability that could have benefited the movie, yet retain it's sillyness and humor. For instance, was it necessary to have Dewey carry on a conversation with his newly severed brother? I think the concept of him cutting him in half is funny and silly enough, sans the exchange that follows (same goes for another scene much like this). I was miffed by the fact that they sometimes took things way too far. And even though I was sort of expecting things to be over the top, I wasn't expecting these certain aspects to hinder my experience.
However, that's not to say the movie isn't funny. There are some definite moments of sheer brilliance, undeniably so. John C. Reily is very funny as Dewey Cox. His interaction with Jenna Fischer is really great, even if I think Fischer fails completely in this role, as she has proven to do in anything besides an office setting (That's right, I said it.) Still, the scenes featuring the two prove to be pretty funny, particularly the scene after their initial wedding. My favorite line (one I think could be Earmuff Worthy) being "And you told me about that dream where you were licking my balls -- I took that as a sign."
The music is great, too. It definitely had everyone in the theater tapping their toes. Really, if the film could have been more like the music, I would have enjoyed it much more. While the tunes could pass as legitimate songs, there's that aura of wit and onslaught of innuendo that truly makes them jokes more than anything -- something that the screenwriters, with all due respect, could have implemented on the dialog.
Meanwhile, Sony's "unusual" marketing continues. Members of the Dewey Cox Fan Club were recently mailed a little bit of Cox himself. His hair to be precise. Thanks to Laura Telles for the scan.
Walk Hard Opens Today
by Kevin Crossman
Just a reminder that y'all need to get yourself out to the theatre to see John C. Reilly in Walk Hard, which opens today.
If you've seen the movie we want to hear from you! Call our hotline at 206-666-FRAT and let us know if you loved it or hated it. You can also email us or join the conversation on our message board.
Podcast #160: Walk Hard a Frat Pack Movie(?)
Walk Hard has is out and so is use of the "F-Word" for the movie and it's star, John C. Reilly. No, not that "F" word, we're talking about Frat Pack. Is Walk Hard a Frat Pack movie? Is JCR in the Pack? There's a controversy brewing!
This podcast features some music from Dewey Cox, including the revised version of "Walk Hard" from Monday Night Football, plus some of the more hilarious songs from the soundtrack.
We also have audio from Ben Stiller's appearance on Elmo's Christmas Countdown and a profane Alex Trebec played by Alex Trebec and not Will Ferrell.
Thanks to Rick Duran, Josh Watts, Greg Mariotti, and Jennifer Spaulding for production support.
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Jennifer Spaulding writes:
"Am I the only one who thinks Philip Seymour Hoffman is
a dead ringer for Wilfred Brimley in the Chalie Wilson's War"
Frat Pack Honored in Italian Film Magazine
by Kevin Crossman
Looks like the Tribute isn't the only media outlet paying attention to the Frat Pack and their friends. Check out the cover of issue #65 of the Italian film magazine Nocturno.
It's interesting to see that Nocturno chose Jonah Hill for the one of the extra slots along with Seth Rogen (as opposed to Paul Rudd or John C. Reilly, for example). Especially since Superbad made less than a million dollars in Italy. Nonetheless, this is an interesting cover and of course it makes perfect sense that Ben Stiller is in the "center square" where he belongs.
We were pleased to have written a forward for this issue, which is available now. There's a summary on the Nocturno website, though it may be a tough read unless you're familiar with the Italian language. Check it out!
Trailer for Forgetting Sarah Marshall
by Kevin Crossman
A couple interesting things. First, the title. Not "Dumped" as had been rumored but the original title. While Knocked Up had kind of a generic title (compared to, say, The 40 Year-Old Virgin), Dumped is just too generic. Of course, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is set to open in late May and is the next film from the Judd Apatow comedy machine (Judd's the producer here). The film is written by Jason Segal who also stars of course. The film is helmed by first-time director Nicholas Stoller (who wrote the song "Blades of Glory").
There's some funny stuff here in a trailer that is surprisingly risque. Male nudity? Check. Cameos from Apatow regulars Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, and Paul Rudd? Check, check, and check. And, yes fanboys, Kristen Bell as Sarah Marshall sure looks cute.
What's missing from the trailer? Well, there's no view of the movie premiere scene that the Tribute's Rick Duran was an extra on during filming. And there's no sneak peek at Kristen Wiig's cameo, preported to be hiliarious.
For Christmas, The People Want Cox
by Kevin Crossman
This tune was a highlight of the Cox Across America Tour and it's nice to hear a studio version of this song that's sure to be an annual hit for the holidays.
Another Positive Review: Walk Hard is "Absolutely Fantastic"
by Josh Watts
I got the surprise privilege to attend an invitation-only preview screening of the movie at Regal last night. It was great. Seriously, I got a ticket yesterday and was in a pretty rotten mood going into the theater, and even that couldn't spoil the film for me.
Whoever was behind the costume and set designing deserves a medal. Every musical period represented was handled beautifully. Obviously, it was absolutely hilarious, too. Not quite as funny as Talladega Nights, but handled better as a movie overall. I guarantee you're all going to leave the theater dying to buy the soundtrack. I was so disappointed when I couldn't find a copy! Planning to look again today, no doubt. (the iTunes Edition provides "instant gratification" and is a better overall package anyway -- Ed.)
Most importantly to this website, this movie's very, very "Frat Pack." All of the cameos, especially Jonah Hill and all the Beatles players, but so many others too, just stick out brilliantly for us devoted fans.
The tone is perfect, too, and John absolutely shines in it. I give it a 4.5/5 stars. Docked a half-point for not bringing quite as much overall funny as John's last Frat Pack-excursion, Talladega Nights, but still an absolutely fantastic motion picture.
Kevin, in your review you call it "the best 'mockumentary' since This is Spinal Tap." That's not fair; Walk Hard was way, way better than that movie.
Apatow Address "Backlash"; Includes Frat Pack Tribute Image
by Kevin Crossman
Today is a pretty good for those of us here at the Tribute. First off is a hilarous new FunnyorDie video from Judd Apatow. The video features Apatow-regulars Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, and Craig Robinson and directly addresses the cross-promotion from the various Apatow properties and acting troupe.
Eagle-eyed Tribute editor Jack Wilson noted that one of our Frat Pack Tribute South Park Images of Seth Rogen is visible in the video. Here's a still image from the video, along with the original image. Congrats to Karen Pok for creating the image and having it get noticed by Judd Apatow and crew.
Karen Pok's Version of the Knocked Up Poster
Karen Pok's Latest: Dewey Cox
Dewey Cox Likes to "Block Hard" on Monday Night Football
by Kevin Crossman
Check out the new version of the Walk Hard title track with lyrics rewritten just last week by Dan Bern. This appeared prior to kickoff of tonight's Monday Night Football contest between the Vikings and Bears.
Travolta Out and Stiller In(?) for Dallas Movie; God Help Us All
by Kevin Crossman
As if the constant rumors of Luke Wilson's involvement weren't enough, now there's word that the producers of the Dallas movie remake are interested in taking the film in a more comedic direction. So, John Travolta who was tapped to play patriarch JR Ewing is now out. And who to replace him? Ben Stiller, apparently (if one believes the NY Post).
According the Post, "Producers decided the picture needed "more laughs" and called for an entirely new, slapstick script and was rewritten as "a 'show-within-a-show' comedy," like the Nicole Kidman bomb "Bewitched.""
Now, Ben Stiller's work on Extras would indicate he'd do a great job on the "show within a show" concept, but consider a similar theme for Tropic Thunder, would Stiller be up for the same concept again? Plus, Bewitched is hardly a great template to work from (though we think Will Ferrell did fine in the movie that was ruined by Nicole Kidman).
And lastly, does anyone else remember Larry Hagman as JR in the original Dallas TV show? He was a big, strapping guy. We could see someone like Vince Vaughn tapped for that role, but Ben Stiller? We love the Ben, but... no.
Favreau Plays Vaughn's Brother in Four Christmases
by Kevin Crossman
Yeah we know that Jon Favreau's directing career is looking mighty fine with the super buzz for next summer's comic blockbuster, Iron Man. But to be honest we'd like to see more of Jon's acting, and not just in projects starring his Frat Pack buddies Vince Vaughn (The Break-Up) or Will Ferrell (Elf, also directed). Nonetheless, we'll take what we can get.
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Jon will be joining the cast of Four Christmases. Favreau and Tim McGraw will play Dallas and Denver, respectively, two bullying siblings who delight in tormenting their brother, Brad (Vaughn), during the holidays. Frequent Vaughn collaborator Dwight Yoakam (Wedding Crashers) will also appear as Pastor Phil, the overly zealous partner of Brad's new wife Kate's (Reese Witherspoon) mother (Mary Steenburgen).
Four Christmases will be released next Christmas.
For Your Consideration?
by Rick Duran
Check out this collection of For Your Consideration ads. They've got several for Knocked Up, one for Steve Carell in Dan in Real Life, one for the Superbad team, and an especially hilarious one for John C. Reilly in "the finest role of his monumental career."
December 16, 2007
Podcast #159: Walk Hard Movie and Concert Review
The main event is a review of the Walk Hard movie and the Dewey Cox Across America concert tour. Plus, we have a couple key tracks from the soundtrack and movie. Learn why we think Walk Hard is the best mockumentary since This is Spinal Tap and why we gave the film five stars.
Plus, a discussion of "Heigl-gate", Will Ferrell's comedy tour, another black mark for Luke Wilson, trouble on the set for Vince Vaughn, and Owen Wilson's "bromance" with Woody Harrelson.
Thanks to Rick Duran, Adam Stevenson, Sharon Gruber, and Drew Hunt for production support.
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Winter Wonderland?
by Amy Gilbert
A humbling experience... Live for 4 days or more in a big city where 98% of the town has no electricity. It's like Jericho in real life. I've been told President Bush has declared our entire state of Oklahoma a Federal disaster area, with something like +250,000 people without power. Trees laying across roads, on houses, cars, power lines laying on the ground, shotty cell phone coverage, and most important no heat.
In a world where chatting with people from Sweden to California is commonplace, not knowing what's going on 2 blocks away is frustrating. It's amazing how people can adapt though...
My thoughts:
Times like these bring the family together... free of the electric distractions. I've never had so much fun playing scrabble, reading and being read to and my son (who still talks about doing his homework by firelight). Unfortunately, schools are still going to be out because all the food spoiled and they have nothing to feed the kids if and when the power finally comes back on... We are lucky, we were only out 4 days, but some homes and businesses are still cold and in the dark.
Meanwhile, life moves on here at the Frat Pack Tribute. So, now seems an appropriate time to highlight this cute winter animation created by Reina from The Wilsons message board, featuring the Wilson brothers, Ben Stiller, and Wes Anderson. Click on image to view.
David Wain's Wainy Days
by Kevin Crossman
The Ten director David Wain has an internet show loosely based on his life (think Curb Your Enthusiasm for the web) called Wainy Days, running on the FunnyorDie-like My Damn Channel. The show has featured many familiar faces from Wain's Stella troupe and related projects like Wet Hot American Summer.
Past guests have included Elizabeth Banks, Jonah Hill, Rob Corddry, Rashida Jones, Ken Marino, and Michael Ian Black. Paul Rudd is scheduled for the episode premiering on December 31st. In the meantime, the latest episode is pretty funny and features great cameos from Apatow regulars Martin Starr, David Krumholtz, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Check out the show and the site.
John C. Reilly and Judd Apatow Comment on Golden Globe Noms
by Kevin Crossman
"I am thrilled and honored that the HFPA has acknowledged the hard work of everyone who poured their hearts into Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. I look forward to celebrating our film and all the other great movies, comedic and dramatic, at this years Golden Globes. I am proud to carry the torch for Jake Kasdan, Judd Apatow, and Mike Andrews without whom I could not have pulled off this performance. Somewhere, Dewey Cox is smiling."
John C. Reilly
"I'm very proud of John C. Reilly and even more proud of Dewey Cox. Dewey would have loved this if he wasn't dead."
Judd Apatow
Frat Pack Tribute Movie Review: Juno ()
by Drew Hunt
Is the film to smart for its own good? Absolutely. But it's also hilarious. Undoubtedly one of the funniest films of the year.
In the film, Juno (Ellen Page) is eventually faced with an unlikely decision, between two men who offer very different paths. Jason Bateman plays the potential adoptive father as a case of, well, arrested development, a man who still pines for his rock and roll glory days and takes the impending birth even less seriously than Juno does. Then there's the bewildered, loyal Bleeker, yet another inspired Michael Cera performance, this time with the nervous smile erased by decency and concern.
Frat Pack Tribute Movie Review: Smiley Face ()
by Sharon Gruber
This film is by far one of the funniest films I have seen in a while. The narration reminds me a bit of Idiocracy. The storyline isn’t very strong, but the comedy throughout is definitely worth the watch. I didn’t leave with a feeling of Smiley Face being a great film, but it did make an impact on me in some way as to where I would say that this is one of the most unique, and funniest pot smoking films that I have ever seen. Do go and see this film, at least once.
Smiley Face stars Anna Faris (My Super-Ex Girlfriend), John Krasinski (The Office), and Jane Lynch (The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights).
John C. Reilly and "Walk Hard" Score Golden Globe Noms
by Kevin Crossman
The Golden Globe Award nominations were announced today and heading the list was John C. Reilly, nominated for Best Actor, Musical of Comedy for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. The films title track was nominated for Best Song as well (written by Marshall Crenshaw, Jake Kasdan, John C. Reilly, Judd Apatow).
Steve Carell score a familiar nod for Best TV Actor, Comedy. However, The Office missed a series nomination.
Other familiar faces with nominations included Amy Adams (Best Actress, Musical or Comedy for Enchanted), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Actor, Comedy for The Savages and Best Supporting Actor, Charlie Wilson's War), and Ricky Gervais (competing against Carell with Extras)
Unfortunately, the critically-acclaimed comedies Knocked Up and Superbad were not nominated.
Photos from the Walk Hard Premiere Last Evening in Hollywood
by Rick Duran
Jenna Fischer and John C. Reilly
Writer/Producer/Director Jake Kasdan and Writer/Producer Judd Apatow
Costar Kristen Wiig
Justin Long and Jonah Hill (both have cameos in Walk Hard)
Christopher Mintz-Plasse meets Jack Black
Will Ferrell
Costars Chris Parnell, Matt Besser, Tim Meadows
Justin Long, Seth Rogen, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
The only Apatow regular without a cameo, Seth Rogen and girlfriend Lauren Miller
Step Brothers Ferrell and Reilly Share a Laugh
Dewey Cox and the Hard Walkers rock the house
Watch the Replay
Watch the Beatles Scene from Walk Hard
by Kevin Crossman
This isn't the complete scene but since they are advertising this on the home page of YouTube I guess we can spoil things over here, too. This section of the scene is kind of a set-up for the second half that I guess everyone will have to wait for at the theatre.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Rudd, Black, Long, and Schwartzman. The Beatles!
Updated: Funny or Die has an extended version of the scene so we've updated the video to use that clip instead. This still doesn't includes the entire Beatles sequence, however.
We've posted some photos from the San Francisco leg of the Cox Across America Tour.
Set List
Encore
Straight to Video for Luke Wilson's Blonde Ambition
by Kevin Crossman
It's too bad that we didn't see this one coming a mile away, unfortunately. Luke hasn't had a great year and this is just another punch in the gut. Still, we can't say we're not interested in this movie that also features Andy Dick and Penelope Ann Miller.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced Blonde Ambition which stars Jessica Simpson, Luke Wilson, Penelope Ann Miller, and Rachael Leigh Cook. The Scott Marshall directed comedy will be available to own on January 22, 2008, and should retail at around $24.96. The only extra material will be deleted scenes, and a behind the scenes featurette.
Official Semi-Pro Website Officially Updated
by Vicky Millington
The official site has been updated. Check out Jackie's hotshots for more pics from the film. Love the clothes! Plus, new videos, wallpapers, etc. Nice!
How about Tropics sweat bands as a promotional item, just like the Dewey Cox pants. Take note marketing people!!!
Would go nicely with my kung fu outfit for when i'm training.
Memorial Weekend at the Museum
by Rick Duran
2007 is just wrapping up and 20th Century Fox is already lining up its big guns for Summer 2009. The big announcement is Night at the Museum 2: Escape from the Smithsonian. Ben Stiller will reprise his role as Larry Daley, as the sequel moves from New York to the Washington DC’s famed Smithsonian.
This will be the first major Hollywood production to film inside the actual museum, unlike the first film where the Museum of Natural History would not allow any interior shooting. Fox has set a May 22nd, 2009 Memorial Weekend release date, a date they were originally saving for James Cameron’s sci-fi epic Avatar.
Variety reports that casting will be announced in the coming weeks, “with some actors from the first film expected to return.” Back in July, it was reported that Robin Williams will be returning, though we haven’t seen any official studio confirmation. Also, we’re not holding our breath for Owen Wilson to return just yet. Variety has reported that Smithsonian will feature several new historical figures, including Amelia Earhart whom Reese Witherspoon has been approached to play.
Witherspoon is currently shooting Four Christmases with Fred Claus himself, Vince Vaughn. Is Reese trying to Aniston her way into the Frat Pack Circle of Trust? Only time will tell.
Run, Do Not Walk Hard, to See This Movie (
)
Movie review by Kevin Crossman
With Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, filmmakers Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow have created one of the most unique movie experiences in years. The film works equally as a musical parody for fans in the know, but also as standard farce for less-knowledgable moviegoers. Plus, it's an outstanding story that provides genuine emotional appeal with a surprisingly engaging story about redemption and family. It also happens to be one of the funniest films of the year and the best "mockumentary" since This is Spinal Tap.
Film buffs who like cameos will love Walk Hard. The film features a veritable cornucopia of gag casting, featuring numerous performers from past Apatow productions. In addition to the aforementioned Beatles casting, the film also features Frankie Muniz as Buddy Holly and musician Jack White as Elvis. Other cameos are so delightful they won't be spoiled here, but let's just say that you won't be disappointed unless you're a fan of Will Ferrell (who doesn't appear) or Patrick Duffy (who's cameo from the trailer didn't make the final cut).
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story opens on December 21st.
Paul Rudd and Jason Segel ‘Love You, Man’
by Rick Duran
The films from the Apatow Mafia keep coming.
Hot on the heels of last week’s announcement of Chris Mintz-Plasse joining Year One, we now have news that Paul Rudd and Jason Segel will star in I Love You, Man. Ben Stiller’s pal John Hamburg (director of Along Came Polly, screenwriter of Zoolander and both Fockers films) wrote the script and will direct the film for Dreamworks, in which stars Rudd as a man about to get married who actively seeks out a male friend to be his best man for the wedding (Segel.)
It’s great to see these two Knocked Up scene-stealers giving us a straight-forward buddy comedy. The plot seems like a film Stiller and Owen Wilson would have signed up for. Weddings have provided classic set-ups for films like Old School and Wedding Crashers. Here’s hoping this new project lives up to those buddy comedy standards.
Jason Segel will next be seen in May’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall, in which Paul Rudd has a cameo. The Frat Pack Tribute had a chance to chat with both actors this summer.
The Batemans Are Speechless
by Kevin Crossman
Another one of the WGA "Speechless" strike videos, featuring Frat Pack friend Jason Bateman and his sister and SAG board member Justine Bateman.
Will Ferrell Wins "Celebrity Athlete of the Year"
by Kevin Crossman
This isn't a joke folks. Will Ferrell has run a couple marathons and was honored at the Endurance Sports Awards. Check out Will's acceptance speech.
Has Sarah Marshall been ‘Dumped?’
by Rick Duran
The stars of next May’s Judd Apatow-produced Jason Segel comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall are stating the title has now been changed to Dumped. Word first came from a fansite for one of the film’s co-stars, Russell Brand, that the actor first announced the title change. Then at this weekend’s Spike TV Video Game Awards, actress Kristen Bell also confirmed the title change. Watch for yourself (mentioned at the 1:40 mark):
Could this title change have anything to do with the film’s opening weekend competition? Sharing Sarah Marshall/Dumped’s May 30th release date is the Sex and the City movie, which will open huge. The real question is which film will have staying power. If SATC is a bad movie, it will drop-off quickly. But even with a 60% drop-off, it could still do Devil Wears Prada numbers.
Sarah Marshall will have to bring in a high percentage of young audiences, in addition to the women who see SATC. If the title did change, it's probably to seem as un-"chick flick" as possible. What Knocked Up had in its favor were no counter-programming rivals for the female market, allowing it to play strong despite the Pirates and Shreks of summer 07.
Also, the big question: will Sarah Marshall/Dumped be funny enough to survive the summer blockbusters like Indiana Jones and Iron Man? The test reviews suggest it has a couple of sex scenes that might rival SATC's. One sure thing: Sex and the City doesn't have a (supposedly graphic) sex scene with Jack McBrayer (30 Rock, Talladega Nights), of all people. Let's hope creepy = funny.
Read about our FSM set visit and
Learn more about Forgetting Sarah Marshall / Dumped
Official Site Launches for Drillbit Taylor
by Rick Duran
Nothing at the official website yet except the trailer we've all seen. However, there's a nice tagline "Budget Bodyguard" and a nice image of Owen to "boot." Meanwhile we've updated our Drillbit Taylor preview page with some additional stills from the movie.
Visit the Frat Pack Tribute's Preview
Dewey Cox in Concert
by Drew Hunt
Paul Searle has now posted video from the Cox Across American tour stop in Chicago. This is amazing footage.
There's also some additional footage of Dewey Cox at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thanks to our tipster Laura Telles for the link.
Tenacious D Debut New Song in WGA Protest
By Kevn Crossman
Not only did Jack Black and Kyle Gass show their support for the ongong strike by the Writers Guild of America, they debuted a new song "Fuck the Bullshit." Then they did rousing and thematically appropriate renditions of "City Hall" and "The Government Totally Sucks." Check out the footage from Friday's protest rally.
"Heigl-Gate" Update
by Kevin Crossman
It hasn't been a stellar week for the stars of the hilarious and critically acclaimed summer blockbuster Knocked Up. Earlier in the week we reported on a Vanity Fair quote where Katherine Heigl called the movie sexist and referred to the female characters as shrews.
Apatow Missed the Glasses Memo
(from Left: Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen)
Looks like Writer-Director Judd Apatow and Star-Exec. Producer Seth Rogen has some things to say at the GQ Men of the Year party. USA Today had some choice quotes.
"I don't think the movie's sexist, I think there are characters in the movie who are sexist," clarified writer/director Judd Apatow, who hasn't spoken with Heigl about her comments. "Apparently Vanity Fair needs to sell some magazines. They've got to turn up the controversy. I'm sure when they get you talking for hours and hours, a couple lines taken out of context seem more interesting than they really are."
Rogen meanwhile was picking up the Man of the Year Award and was a bit less diplomatic. And, yes, Rogen really did win a Women's Image Network Award.
"We won A Women's Image Network Award; I picked it up myself," he reminded, adding, "I don't really talk to Katie." Does that mean she's off his Christmas list? "Yeah, exactly. Oh yeah, like she was on it before."
Meanwhile, People is reporting that Heigl is "clearing up" her previous quotes. Sounds like some serious backtracking to me, though if you notice she actually doesn't retract the previous statment.
"It's important to me to take a minute and clarify the quote about Knocked Up in Vanity Fair. I was responding to previous reviews about the movie the interviewer brought to my attention. My motive was to encourage other women like myself to not take that element of the movie too seriously and to remember that it's a broad comedy.
Although I stand behind my opinion, I'm disheartened that it has become the focus of my experience with the movie. The truth is, it was the best filming experience of my career. Every person that was a part of making Knocked Up helped to encourage, support and inspire me. I never intended for anyone to think otherwise."
Watch the First Ten Minutes of Walk Hard
by Kevin Crossman
There's a lot to like in this ten minute clip that serves as the prologue for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
I spotted references to Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis and the look and feel of this movie doesn't feel like a standard parody. There aren't big laughs here, but after listening to the Deluxe Exclusive Edition of the Soundtrack and more convinced than ever at the greatness of this movie.
Exclusive Photos of Dewey Cox in Concert
by Drew Hunt
Big thanks to Paul Searle for taking some amazing shots of Dewey Cox in concert in Chicago last night.
Paul said it was pretty amazing. Dewey kept unzipping his pants and pulling out red scarves from his crotch, and giving them to the ladies. He also commented on a Mr. John C. Reily, whom he thought did an amazing job portraying him in an upcoming movie.
Heartbreak Kid DVD Details
by Kevin Crossman
This movie isn't going to go into the Stiller hall of fame, but it wasn't without some charms (read our review). That said, the movie certain underperformed at the box office, even considering it's R rating. The overseas box office has been better, however ($108 million worldwide to date).
The DVD looks like a good, but not stellar release. The movie was raunchy enough so there isn't an "unrated" version. Here are the notable extras.
Looks like they cribbed the Apatow-inspired tagline "From the guys who brought you There's Something About Mary." Is anyone sick of this "from the guy" stuff like I am?
The Heartbreak Kid will be available on DVD on December 26.
Semi-Pro Trailer Debuts at Access Hollywood
by Kevin Crossman
If you thought New Line Cinema would go in an unusual marketing direction for Will Ferrell's latest sports-comedy think again. The trailer is straight out of the Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory playbook.
Then again, the movie is probably out of that playbook as well. In any case, it's pretty funny and features some good stuff from Frat Pack Friend David Koechner (as the ABA Commisioner!). Plus, Will Ferrell wrestles a bear - hopefully this will stay in the movie unlike the similar cougar scene from Talladega that was less funny in the movie compared to the trailer.
Mintz-Plasse and Cross Join Jack Black and Michael Cera for Year One
by Kevin Crossman
Superbad's McLovin', Christopher Mintz-Plasse, will reunite with producer Judd Apatow for Columbia's "Year One," a comedy set in biblical times. Oliver Platt, David Cross, Vinnie Jones and Juno Temple are also in final negotiations for the film.
The movie stars Jack Black and Michael Cera and is being directed by Harold Ramis. Filming is set to begin in January in Louisiana and New Mexico. Platt is in talks to play a platform-shoe-wearing high priest in the comedy, while Jones is on board to play a head palace guard named Sargon. Cross and Temple's roles are not known.
The studio is keeping mum on the story line, which is based on a story by Ramis who, along with Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg (The Office), wrote the screenplay.
With the movie starring both Cera and Mintz-Plasse, you think there's a good chance for a cameo from Superbad costar Jonah Hill? We certainly hope so.
New Heartwarming Ads for Fred Claus
By Kevin Crossman
I noticed the new TV ads are veering away from the "Vince acting like a crazy brother" and focusing on the "every kid deserves a present on Christmas" storyline.
That's actually one of the best parts of the movie, but it seems odd to change the marketing so significantly. Then again, maybe they're trying to catch a second wind with filmgoers who have skipped the movie so far.
Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro/FunnyorDie Tour in Feb 2008
By Kevin Crossman
Will Ferrell and a trio of up-and-coming comics are hitting the road in support of New Line's "Semi-Pro," launching a multicity college standup tour linked to his FunnyorDie website. The tour is called "Will Ferrell's Funny or Die Comedy Tour Presented by Semi-Pro," will kick off Feb. 4 in Kansas City and serve as a promotional vehicle for the February 29 release of the film.
Ferrell will headline seven shows over three weeks in February, teaming with standups Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin and Nick Swardson (Blades of Glory). The tour also promotes FunnyorDie, which will have a video crew tagging along throughout the tour.
Clips from the standup dates, as well as other features linked to the tour, will be posted regularly on the popular viral video site. In turn, FunnyorDie will also be extensively promoting "Semi-Pro," posting a new video starring Ferrell and co-star Andrew Daly at least once a week in the months leading up to the film's release.
"Not only will this tour make people laugh, but it's going to change lives ... I think," Ferrell said.
The tour will focus on East Coast and Midwest colleges, with stops in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Boston and North Carolina.
Meanwhile, FunnyorDie's latest viral video hit is High-Five Hollywood. It's hard to describe exactly why this clip has such quirky appeal. Sure, there's the Will Ferrell cameo, along with other celebrities like Tim Meadows and Ryan Seacrest. Maybe we're just partial to the connection to the Hollywood sign, the well-known location of Frat Pack HQ (according to Jack Black!).
Christmas Come Early
by Kevin Crossman
Some more positive news today as two highly anticipated releases make it to stores. First up is the Superbad DVD, including the two-disc unrated extended edition. Highlights include a Gag reel, unrated additional footage, audio commentary, deleted and extended scenes, a "Behind-the-Scenes" plus nine other featurettes.
Turning our attention to a future feature release, the Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Soundtrack drops today. Featuring a host of future cinema classics, or at the very least some of the more interesting titles we've seen on a soundtrack album.
| 1. Walk Hard 2. Take My Hand 3. (Mama) You Got To Love Your Negro Man 4. A Life Without You (Is No Life At All) 5. Let's Duet 6. Darling 7. (I Hate You) Big Daddy 8. Guilty As Charged 9. Dear Mr. President 10. Let Me Hold You (Little Man) 11. Royal Jelly 12. Black Sheep 13. Starman 14. Beautiful Ride 15. (Have You Heard The News) Dewey Cox Died |
Meanwhile, it seems that "Box of Cox" collection has surfaced as a "Deluxe Exclusive" edition at iTunes. The 30 song collection features all the tracks from the original soundtrack (sans the Bowie cover "Starman") with additional songs from the movie.
Katherine Heigl Knocks Knocked Up
By Kevin Crossman
Based on the univerally bad buzz she's getting already it hardly seems fair to kick a sister when she's down. But when you open your mouth sometimes you have to take the medicine and this stuff is especially sour.
US Magazine's website is reporting that Knocked Up star Katherine Heigl had disparaging words for her feature film breakthough:
Katherine Heigl is knocking her summer hit Knocked Up for being "a little sexist.
“It paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as goofy, fun-loving guys,” the actress — who just turned 29 — tells January's Vanity Fair.
“It was hard for me to love the movie,” she says, even though the comedy elevated her asking price from $300,000 to $6 million for her next flick.
I'm not sure I understand where Heigl's head is at with these comments. Sure, Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd were painted a sympathetic in Knocked Up, but these guys were clearly not perfectly pictured either. Rogen has numerous moments where he is shown as irresponsible and self-absorbed, prior to "growing up" and getting a job to support his family.
Finally, even if she didn't "love" the movie, I think Heigl has about 5.7 million reasons to keep her pie hole shut about it while she laughs all the way to the bank. She could have been grateful to Knocked Up for making her a feature film star as well as one on TV, but instead Heigl seems to think that winning an Emmy equates to winning an Oscar or something.
I guess Seth Rogen said it best...
First Clip of Pineapple Express Leaks onto Net; Disappoints
by Kevin Crossman
If you can't wait another two days for the Superbad DVD, the Pineapple Express preview clip has leaked and is now available on YouTube. Pineapple Express stars Seth Rogen and James Franco in an action comedy with a decidedly "dope" storyline. Rogen cowrote the script along with Evan Goldberg (Superbad) and Judd Apatow (who also produced).
Of course, we're big fans of Seth Rogen's work around these parts. He was great in a supporting turn in Steve Carell's breakthough in The 40 Year-Old Virgin. And he was one of the best parts in the underappreciated You, Me and Dupree with Owen Wilson. Plus, Seth's made a pretty big name for himself in two of the funniest movies of 2007, Knocked Up and Superbad.
That said, we can't claim to be fans of James Franco's work. And, unfortunately, we see nothing in this clip to change our mind. In fact, if this is the clip they've chosen to unleash on the world, we think Sony should rethink that decision (we are, of course, obliged to insert a "what were they smoking" reference right about now). The clip isn't funny and isn't very interesting either. The future of joint engineering? Uh, okay...
Sony, you did such a great job marketing Superbad. But you need to cut together a real teaser trailer. Something with some car chases and gunplay, okay?
Update: Sony has pulled the clip from YouTube. Check the Superbad DVD to see the disappointing clip.
Curious About Rogen and Franco's Previous Work?
by Rick Duran, Senior Editor
Regarding the Pineapple Express clip, I was curious how people would react to James Franco. Apparently he steals the movie right out from under Rogen. I recently picked up Freaks and Geeks, and based on that Pineapple clip, it's practically the same character.
Regarding Freaks, if you get a chance to Netflix a few discs, it'll become clear why Judd Apatow talks about Jason Segel so much. The guy's a terrific physical comedian. However, if you're looking for Seth Rogen, you're better off renting Undeclared. Much more screentime on that one. Freaks is the better show (B+ for F&G, B- for Undec.), but maybe just two episodes revolve around Rogen.
I wonder if we'll see a Pineapple teaser with Walk Hard in late February. I'd imagine Sony is more inclined to attach a Step Brothers teaser with that one. Based on the Knocked/Superbad campaigns, I'd assume we're a month away from a Forgetting Sarah Marshall trailer, two/three from Pineapple.
Happy 42nd Birthday to Ben Stiller!
by Rick Duran
We here at the Frat Pack Tribute would like to wish a very Happy 42nd Birthday to the leader of the Pack, Mr. Ben Stiller. From The Ben Stiller Show to There's Something About Mary to Zoolander, Ben has influenced the face of comedy in the 21st century and we can't thank him enough.
The leader and architect of Hollywood's Comedy Clique
Ben Stiller
New
Dewey Cox concert announced in Cleveland, Ohio.
by Rick Duran
Details are now being released for a new John C. Reilly concert as "Dewey Cox and the Hard Walkers." This new event will take place Wednesday, December 5th at the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Want to attend? The first 500 people to e-mail coxroxcleveland@yahoo.com with their name and address will receive tickets! Of course, anyone who attends is expected to file a report for our Podcast.
More Semi-Pro photos released
by Rick Duran
The publicity machine for Will Ferrell's February basketball comedy continues. Check out our Semi-Pro Preview Page for several new publicity photos that have been released.
New films from Luke Wilson and Jack Black to premiere at
Sundance
by Rick Duran
The Sundance Film Festival isn't normally associated with Frat Pack stars,
but the 2008
festival will have Jack Black's Be Kind Rewind and Luke Wilson's Henry Poole is Here premiering out of competition. We already love
what we've seen from Be Kind, but we're really curious about Henry
Poole. In that film, Luke plays a man who returns to this hometown to
die.
In related news, the poster for Be Kind Rewind has just been released. The collage-themed artwork illustrates the low-budget tactics used by Jack Black and Mos Def to recreate and replace movies that were accidentally erased. Who knew the VHS format could inspire such a wild concept?
EW declares Apatow, Ferrell and Stiller among Hollywood's "Smartest"
by Rick Duran
Judd Apatow was ranked #1 in Entertainment Weekly's list of "The
50 Smartest People in Hollywood." Frat Pack members Will Ferrell
and Ben Stiller came in at number 17 and 20, respectively.
Here are some highlights from the article:
WILL FERRELL: He proved
himself a new-media pioneer, launching the trailblazing comedy site FunnyOrDie
with director Adam McKay and a little help from a foulmouthed toddler.
Still the king of tighty-whitie mountain, Ferrell is so genius at playing
dumb that even a one-joke wonder like Blades of Glory skates past
the $100 million mark.See
"Dewey Cox and the Hard Walkers" live in Hollywood on December 3rd
by Rick Duran
This Monday, December 3rd, John C. Reilly will take the stage in his Walk
Hard character at The Roxy in Hollywood for "Cox at the Rox."
Want to attend? Just be one of the first people in line at 7pm (show starts
at 7:30.) All that's required for admission is this
flyer from Sonypictures.com. Will Dewey Cox perform "Let's Duet"
with his wife Darlene (Jenna Fischer)? One can only assume that some of Reilly's
pals like Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Judd Apatow or Paul Rudd might be in attendance.
Any Frat Pack Tribute readers that attend this special concert should call
our hotline (1-206-666-FRAT) with reports.
Semi-Pro promo pictures!
by Rick Duran
Thanks to Karen Pok for finding these first two promotional photos from Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro. It's great to see his famous 'fro in action on the court. The talk show picture brings to mind Will's SNL days. Semi-Pro opens in theaters February 29th, 2008. We should expect a trailer in the next couple weeks (most likely attached to Walk Hard.)
Does Rogen 'want a new drug' from Huey Lewis?
by Rick Duran
Entertainment
Weekly has an
interesting scoop regarding next August's Pineapple Express. The
film's star/writer/producer Seth Rogen has allegedly been meeting with 80's
hit-maker Huey Lewis to write and perform the film's theme song. "Seth's
looking for something in the vein of 'Power of Love,'" says a source,
referring to Huey Lewis and the News's 1985 hit, which was the theme song
to Back to the Future. Nothing about that classic tune makes it an
obvious musical inspiration for a stoner action comedy, but we think this
unexpected choice could be absolutely hilarious in the right context.
Keep in mind, Rogen and James Franco play stoned pals on the run from the blaring guns of corrupts cops. Now picture that, set to the music of Huey Lewis.
Heartbreak Kid performs better overseas
by Mario Bernengo
I guess the rest of the world ain't tired of Ben Stiller yet. Man, for all
the people out there claiming they hate him, and despite some awful reviews
for The Heartbreak Kid, Ben can still pull some amazing numbers out
of his ass.
Get this: flick is about to break the combined domestic/foreign 100,000,000 dollar barrier. To date, it has made $62,331,188 in the rest of the world, compared to $36,701,648 domestically.
Stiller's Red Hour bringing "Gods" to television
In other Ben Stiller news, his Red Hour Films has optioned Marie Phillips'
novel, "Gods Behaving Badly," to develop
it into a comedy series. This high concept tale is set in London, "where
the gods of ancient Greece have been living together in a house since the
1660s. They still are running the world, fighting with one another, but they
are dangerously bored and living in much reduced circumstances. Apollo has
turned a Goldman Sachs market trader into a tree after she refused casual
sex with him. Aphrodite runs a telephone sex service."
The book is currently available in the UK, and will be available in the US on December 10th. Have any of our UK readers checked out this novel? Hit up our hotline (1-206-666-FRAT) and let us know if Stiller's got a potential hit.
USA Today previews Walk Hard
by Rick Duran
USA
Today has a great slideshow
feature with still images of Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. In
addition to some great photos, including this one of John C. Reilly with Frankie
Muniz (as Buddy Holly) and Ed Helms (The Office), there's also some
great commentary from Reilly and director Jake Kasdan.
Director/co-writer Jake Kasdan says the spoofs on famous people are only "tangentially related" to what the artists are actually like. "We try not to let facts get in the way," he says. The slideshow also features this choice quote from Reilly about the infamous Beatles scene: "That's part of the fun of hiring Jack Black to be Paul McCartney. You let him go crazy and see what comes out of it.
McKay says no Step Brothers for Ferrell's "Landlord."
by Rick Duran
Don't
hold your breath for Pearl, the star of FunnyOrDie's "The Landlord"
and "Good Cop/Baby Cop," to cameo in father Adam McKay's next Will
Ferrell/John C. Reilly comedy, Step Brothers. In an EW
article about FunnyOrDie, McKay says he just can't bring himself to use
his daughters for laughs, despite her being an internet sensation with over
50 million video viewers. ''It starts feeling a little creepy, riding your
2-year-old daughter,'' he says. Then again, he has to admit that the thought
crosses his mind. ''There's a role in Step Brothers, and I said
to Will, 'Pearl could play this.' He was like, 'Oh, she would destroy.
Four lines from her would bring the house down.' Even now as I'm saying it...'' He looks at Ferrell and shakes his head. ''Oh, it would have been good.''
While we respect McKay for keeping his daughter out of the spotlight, knowing we won't see Pearl cursing at Ferrell and Reilly definitely bums us out.
Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and The Apatow Gang are EW's Class Clowns of
'07
by Rick Duran
It's
no surprise that Entertainment Weekly is
hailing the breakout year for Judd Apatow's Gang/Comedy Mafia/Apt Pack
with Knocked Up, Superbad, and the upcoming Walk Hard. Apatow
(pictured with Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd) has becoming
Hollywood's go-to-guy, after his two modestly-budgeted summer films brought
in nearly $300 million in collective grosses. Today, when studio execs have
a comedy that feels flat or formulaic, the call goes out to ''Judd it up''
— sweet irony for a man once best known for critically beloved flops
like TV's Freaks and Geeks. ''It was always my dream to become a verb,''
Apatow deadpans. ''That's what I wrote in my high school yearbook.''
Next year will see the release of two Apatow productions starring Frat Packers Owen Wilson (Drillbit Taylor) and Will Ferrell (Step Brothers), in addition to production beginning on The Year One starring Jack Black and Superbad's Michael Cera. As for Judd's "Apt Pack," his Freaks alum will be headlining next May's Forgetting Sarah Marshall (with Jason Segel) and August's Pineapple Express (with Rogen and James Franco.)
With
Pack members like Vince, Ben and Luke striking out at the box office in 2007,
it makes sense that EW would turn to the internet for this year's biggest
Frat Pack story: the
launch of Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay's FunnyOrDie.com.
This online comedy sensation began with the April 12th debut of "The Landlord," which has been viewed more than 48 million times (FunnyOrDie averages about 3.5 million hits a month.) Thus far, FunnyOrDie has yet to turn any kind of profit (''We're doing quite well, if by 'well' you mean getting no money and working a lot,'' McKay says drily), but Sequoia Capital has already poured several millions of dollars into the site, banking on a future in which FunnyOrDie operates as a sort of Web 2.0 version of Comedy Central, supported by advertising and available on any device with a screen.
In October, it was revealed that Ferrell and McKay had signed Apatow, their producing partner from Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, as a third partner on the site, further certifying its legitimacy as a go-to spot for comedy.
Just in time for their EW honors, this week saw FunnyOrDie
premiering a new R-Rated clip,
"Green Team,"
starring Ferrell, McKay and John C. Reilly.
No Pre-Historic Plot or Owen Wilson for Jack Black's Year
One
by Rick Duran
During an MTV interview promoting Margot at the Wedding, Jack Black squashed
